Chapter 1

A SURVEY OF THE CHILD'S LIFE

Laws of the child's psychical life paralleled by those of its physical.

Current objections to a system of education based upon "liberty"

Hygiene has freed the infant from straps and swaddling clothes and left it free to develop

Education must leave the soul free to develop

Principle of liberty in education not a principle of abandonment

The liberty accorded the child of to-day is purely physical. Civil rights of the child in the twentieth century.

Removal of perils of disease a step toward physical liberation

Supplying the child's physical needs is not sufficient

Child's social rights overlooked in the administration of orphan asylums

Poor child's health and property confiscated in the custom of wet nursing

We recognize justice only for those who can defend themselves

How we receive the infants that come into the world.

Home has no furnishings adapted to their small size

Society prepares a mockery for their reception in the shape of useless toys

Child not allowed to act for himself

Constant interruption of his activities prevents psychical growth

Bodily health suffers from spiritual neglect

With man the life of the body depends on the life of the spirit.

Reflex action of the emotions on the body functions

Child's body requires joy as much as food and air